Socio-Economic Development Of Migrant Labourers In The Service Sectors Of The Tiruppur District - A Study

Abstract

In the modern industrial economy, continuous changes are the  critical factor, with capital and labor acting as dynamic, decisive elements in determining locations that offers the highest potential for profit and improved living conditions. Globalization, emerging strongly from the early 1990s, has driven significant inter-state and intra-state migration, which many view as an ideal response to shifting economic opportunities. The COVID-19 pandemic, which exacerbated the migrant labour crisis in India, has further intensified interest in studying migration patterns and their implications. The employment of migrant workers has become a contentious issue across many Indian states. These workers often migrate from their native regions to other states due to inadequate socio-economic developments, limited agricultural land, viscious systemic caste-based discrimination, and the lack of sustainable rural nature of local employment. Many faces seasonal employment opportunities with low wages and leads to  accumulate debts, leaving their families in financial hardship. Recently, Tiruppur District in Tamil Nadu, a major hub for knitted garment,  has seen a significant rise in migrant labours from across India. These workers, recruited by private employers or through networks of relatives already employed in the region, primarily work in Tiruppur’s export industry and leads it to its expanding service sectors.  This article illustrates that the migrant workers from the different states who are migrated for working purpose in Tirupur district. This article examines the living standards and overall working conditions of migrant workers employed in Tiruppur's service sectors, including lodges, tea shops, hotels, bakeries types of  establishments. It explores whether migration has led to meaningful improvements in their quality of life, assessing key factors such as access to amenities, education, food security, and housing conditions.